Carillo signs on with Tennis Channel

Tennis analyst Mary Carillo, who left ESPN in January, has signed on with the Tennis Channel.

Carillo, 54, will be a studio host, conduct interviews, offer analysis and occasionally handle play-by-play duties during the Tennis Channel’s coverage of French and U.S. Open

One of the best analysts out there, Carillo and ESPN parted ways in what was reported as a mutual decision. She and her childhood pal, John McEnroe, are two of the precious few tennis analysts willing to offer unbiased perspective to telecast. ESPN’s cast — Patrick McEnroe, Pam Shriver, Cliff Drysdale, Mary Joe Fernandez, et al — mostly are apologists for the players.

Unfortunately, ESPN has a monopoly on the tennis majors. Tennis Channel is relegated mostly to second-tier matches, where Carillo’s impact won’t be felt, but it’s better than having her not working at all.